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...to the latest issue of our regular travel magazinepacked full of interesting ideas and destinations toinspire your holiday plans.

It is certainly clear from the number of new hoteland resort openings featured in this issue that thehospitality industry is bucking the “globalslowdown”. Of course, those that want to get anearly taste of a new property will benefit fromattractive opening offers so do not hesitate to askabout these if one of our features take your fancy.

Taking a short break to one of Europe’s grand citiesis an increasingly popular additional travel treat formany people. Both Venice and Florence are classicyear round favourites and easily accessible withflights from most UK airports. A worthy alternative,with a huge cultural legacy to explore, is the jewel ofImperial Russia, St. Petersburg.

As is customary with our winter issue we recognisethat many of our readers will be interested insuitable winter or year-round beach destinationsand in this issue we aim to please both families andcouples with features on the Caribbean, Maldives,Southern California and Thailand.

Finally, continuing on a recurring theme of greattrain journeys we feature the ultimate African railadventure between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam.

We are sure you will agree that there are a lot ofgreat ideas from which to plan a great escape, so sitback, have a good read then give us a call to discussyour perfect holiday...

Welcome...

9 St Mary’s Court Market Place,TickhillDoncaster, DN11 9LXTel: 01302 742139 Fax: 01302 744112Email: info@small-world-travel.co.uk

Jeff & Paul RhodesProprietors

travel

Winter 2011/12

Contents

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At Home inValldemossaA very special placefor a romantic andpeaceful interlude.

Worldwide

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South AfricaNews

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Majestic St PetersburgPeter the Great’s “Window on the West”, one of the world’smost beautiful cities, gets ready for the new Four Seasons LionPalace Hotel.

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Per Aquum’sNiyamaDinner on the reefedge followed bysome hip grooves atthe underwater nightclub - cutting edgeand innovativehospitality at PerAquum’s new resort inthe Maldives.

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Rosewood’sCaribbeanSpotlight on twosuperb Rosewoodresorts in theCaribbean - JumbyBay in Antigua andLittle Dix Bay in VirginGorda.

Treasures of ItalyCities that shaped the world of artand culture .

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The Cayman IslandsThe Caribbean island with areputation for affordable “BarefootLuxury”.

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Perfect PhuketBang Tao Bay is hometo Asia’s mostprestigious multi-resort complex, thenewest member ofwhich, AngsanaLaguna Phuket, getsan opening review.

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Epic Journeys acrossAfricaCape Town to Dar es Salaamaboard Rovos Rail.

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Europe

European &MediterraneanNews

CaliforniaDreamin’A perfect climateand so manyoutdoorattractions makesSouthernCalifornia an idealactive holidaydestination.

European & Mediterranean News

There always seems to be a lot of things totake on a winter sports holiday. but didyou know there is a clever solution -entrust all your suitcases and equipmentto the UK’s favourite, specialist courierservice, First Luggage, who will handle allthe irksome transportation so that it iswaiting for your arrival.

www.firstluggage.com

Guess whowas first onthe slopesthis winterski season?

Sitting out in their stylish al fresco restaurant serenaded by cicadas and surroundedby 20 hectares of extensive parkland and vineyards, it’s almost impossible tobelieve that the Domaine De Verchant lies just 10 minutes drive from the vibranthistoric centre of Montpelier. A perfect stop for Brits driving to the Côte D’Azur buteven better as a sophisticated retreat from which to explore Provence and the coast(just 15 minutes from the sea and 1 hour from Les Beaux de Provence) and indulgethe senses. The Domaine oozes "detente" from its superb spa complex to theelegant contemporary chic of its guest rooms, suites and apartments, just 22 intotal. The modern decor harmoniously blending into the traditional setting with adefinite "savoir faire".

www.domainedeverchant.com

Wining and dining in the heart of ProvenceDomaine de Verchant, Near Montpelier

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- Remember your SHEET to avoid Jet Lag on long flightsThe Canny TravellerSleep Try to go to bed a little earlier a few days before you travel and get as much

sleep as you can during your flight.

Hydrate Many side-effects of jet lag are the result of dehydration, so avoid alcohol, coffee and tea. Drink plenty of water during your flight.

Eat Lightly Eat lightly on your flight and forego rich or exotic foods on the first few days ofyour trip so that you can use your energy to adjust to your new surroundings rather than to digest your food.

Exercise Exercising on a long flight will help alleviate such common discomforts as backaches, swollen legs and feet and general fatigue.

Take it Easy Take it easy on the day you arrive so that you can take advantage of your trip ata leisurely pace and establish a routine in sync with the local time.

Rural masterpiece in the heart of the Chiantiregion of Italy

The Castello di Casole Hotel is a41-Suite boutique hotel,situated on a private estate of1,700 hectares in the centre ofTuscany. The property isconveniently located only 20minutes southwest of Siena, 45minutes south of Florence andwithin easy reach of the Chiantiregion, San Gimignano,Volterra and other historicallocations. The estate is verymuch a working farm in theclassic traditions of Italy, hometo more than 100 acres ofvineyards and 30 acres of olivegroves, where signaturevintages are harvested andpressed for guests.

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Treasures of ItalyCities that shaped the world of art and culture

Venice

Francesca Bortolotto Possati, thepioneering hotelier behind Bauer IlPalazzo and the Bauer Palladio, hasopened Venice’s most exclusive newboutique property. Villa F is located onthe Giudecca, a few doors down fromthe Bauer Palladio, in a Renaissancepalazzo that was painstakingly andbeautifully restored.

Villa F

undoubtedly an engineering icon, and custodian ofthe world’s densest collection of Renaissance artand architecture per square kilometre, the islands of

Venice will never cease to amaze its many visitors.

Whilst modern commentators suggest it is a city in decay,the reality points to a community once again in theascendency with a growing number of annual world-class festivals and thriving artisan industries. It is a placefor musical inspiration and gastronomic enticement - not

to mention an enduring reputation as the world’s mostromantic location.

Venice was made for idling exploration amid the myriad ofalleys and waterways as well as the many islands across thewider lagoon and it would suggest that only a fool wouldbelieve a day trip might give sufficient time to absorb thisunique experience. As day draws into night Venice revertsto a more closed and intimate environment adding to themagic for her privileged overnight guests...

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On the banks of the fabled Grand Canalyou can't help noticing a noble facadein gothic style: the BAUER Il Palazzo. Thisfive-star luxury class hotel is located inan original Venetian house from the18th century and is often described asVenice's most luxurious hotel with 38suites and 34 guest rooms.

Il Palazzo

Across the Grand Canal from PiazzaSan Marco is the island of La Giudecca.Here, away from the madding crowdsand touristic bustle is one of Venice'smost unusual and secret gems, BAUERPalladio Hotel & Spa. This handsomebuilding was a sixteenth-centuryconvent designed by the greatestRenaissance architect, Andrea Palladio.

Palladio

Tastefully refurbished, the BAUERHOTEL is famed for its 119 large roomsand fine furnishings: windows,chandeliers and hand-woven fabricsare still crafted by Venetian artisansand go well with fine Art Décofurniture and modern sculptures bylocal and international artists.

L’HotelThe Bauers Collection

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Florence

The Lungarno Collection

Refreshingly minimalist in style, thiscontemporary hotel is a lovelycontrast to the Renaissance city thatsurrounds it. Its interiors embody anEast meets West, with clean-cut linesfrom the Orient and sumptuousMediterranean furnishings filteringthroughout the guestrooms andpublic areas.

Gallery Hotel Art

A vibrant and dynamic yet romanticdesign hotel in Florence, beautifullyevolved in the energy of the 50’s.The Hotel Continentale is the placeto see and be seen, a catwalk forfashion and desire in the heart ofFlorence.

Continentale

Spacious and intimate apartments,the attention of a charming hotel,and a wonderful view of the PonteVecchio, San Miniato, the BoboliGardens, and Palazzo Pitticharacterize the contemporaryelegance and ease of the LungarnoSuites. Fully equipped kitchensmake these an ideal family option.

Lungarno Suites

Like a luxury yacht floating on theArno River, Hotel Lungarno is like ahome away from home, a stonethrow away from Ponte Vecchio.Florence and Tuscan hospitality areexperienced at its finest in thissplendid setting offering stunningviews on the master works of theRenaissance.

Hotel Lungarno

lorence is renowned for being the ‘cradle of theRenaissance’ and where the museums, churches andpalaces house some of the greatest artistic treasures

in the world. Politically, economically, and culturally it wasthe most important city in Europe for around 250 yearsbetween 1300 and 1550.

Florence is the ideal gateway to the beautiful landscape ofTuscany and the city itself lies surrounded by rolling hillsand is dissected by the waters of the mighty Arno. One of

the quintessential focal points is the Ponte Vecchio whichspans the river linking the newer quarter of the Oltrarnowith the historic old town of Brunelleschi’s Duomo, theUffizi Gallery and the Basilica of Santa Maria de Novella. Toeach side of the walkway the bridge houses numerousjewellery shops reflecting a city that is a shopper’s paradise.

Whether it is culture, couture or even the cuisine, the visitorto Florence will marvel at the rich variety on display as wellas a sumptuous choice of prime accommodation...

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here is a distinctly seductive and relaxingatmosphere when visiting the incrediblybeautiful village of Valldemossa in Northern

Mallorca, a place with a particular draw for romantics.

It was here that the Polish composer, Frédéric Chopinand his French mistress, the writer George Sand, spentthree idyllic and creative months, over the winter of 1838and 1839, when they rented rooms at the Carthusianmonastery. This building along with a former palace arethe focal point of the striking village skyline. Chopindescribed the area as “The most beautiful place in theworld” whilst it was the inspiration for George Sand’smost famous book , “ A Winter in Mallorca”.

Valldemossa is located just 17 kilometres away fromPalma, in the middle of the valley of Sierra deTramuntana, 400 metres above sea level. Part of thevillage goes up into the mountain slope, creating steepstreets and beautiful natural panoramas. Thesurrounding landscape, a walker’s paradise, is richlycloaked by lush forests, with olive and almond trees thatare irrigated by the abundant springs in the area.

Overlooking the village and sharing the inspirationalviews lies the luxury boutique Valldemossa Hotel. Amember of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux family of

hotels, this refined residence has just 8 junior suites and4 superior double rooms, each uniquely decorated andnamed after famous Valldemossa patrons, offeringguests an intimate enclave with the emphasis placed ona very personal and friendly level of service.

The manicured gardens and outdoor spacessurrounding the hotel buildings feature a series ofbalustraded terraces and striking walls studded withmallorcan stone, some concealing enclosed courtyardsof feature suites. There is a large outdoor pool which ispopular in the summer months whilst in cooler weatherguests can escape to the hotel’s spa which also featuresan indoor pool.

As befits a property that has a particular appeal tocouples, the hotel is also a popular venue for smallwedding ceremonies, which are often held in a vine-covered pergola below the swimming pool area.

Life at Valldemossa should be taken at an idling pace,waking to birdsong, followed by a hearty breakfast onthe main terrace taking in the panoramic views,enjoying a refreshing light lunch by the poolside andfinished in style with a romantic candlelit dinner for twounder the stars with the village lights twinkling in thebackground.

At Home in ValldemossaA special retreat in a most picturesque Majorcan location

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t Petersburg is a city of architectural finessethat defies its northern latitude and was builtover 44 islands within the mighty Neva River

delta system. This in turns flows into The Gulf ofFinland and the Baltic attesting to the city’simportance as Russia’s principal western port and itslegacy as Imperial Russia’s “Window on the West”.

It was from here in 1703 that its founder, Peter theGreat, assimilated the achievements and fashionsof the great western nations to create what isundoubtedly one of the world’s most beautifulcities resplendent in grand buildings of whitecolumns and baroque decorations. In the heart ofthe city, none of the buildings are more than fivestoreys and while they may have been built indifferent styles, they all embody an aspiration forgrace and harmony.

Where Paris shines in the exactness of Hausmann’sboulevards, so too St Petersburg displays an opengrace where the contours of the river Neva and hermany canals support heavy brown graniteembankments that provide a solid base for theairy palaces, intricate churches, museums andtheatres that proliferate the banks above. Indeed,whilst many buildings have truly monumentaldimensions like the grand Hermitage (possibly theworld’s greatest museum), there is a balance that iscleverly maintained with her elegant open spaces.Even the bridge railings are small masterpieces ofornate metalwork.

The visitor to this fine city will be rewarded with acultural banquet with over 50 museums, 20theatres and concert halls as well as somespectacular imperial palaces. The city is best visitedbetween April and November.

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Majestic St PetersburgThe jewel of imperial Russia

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One of the most eagerly awaited new hotel openings in StPetersburg is the Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palacescheduled to take place in 2012.

Within a nineteenth-century Russian royal palace, its entryguarded by two marble lions, Four Seasons reveals arestored treasure in the historic Admiralteysky District –just two blocks from the Hermitage Museum.

St. Petersburg’s most lavish five-star luxury hotel features177 guest rooms, including 26 suites, embellished byviews of Saint Isaac’s Cathedral, Alexandrovksy Gardenand the landmark Admiralty. Two signature restaurantscreate see-and-be-seen buzz, while a glass-topped spahelps relax and restore. The beauty and history of ImperialRussia feel current and fashionable – coming to life withat-your-service Four Seasons care.

Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace, St PetersburgLandmark property set to open in 2012 as city’s first truly five-star hotel

he Cayman Islands, which lies to the north-east of Jamaica, is the dream destination forthose seeking the independence offered by a

first world tropical country that begs to be explored.

Beyond the sugar white sand of Seven Mile Beachlies 76 miles of breathtaking, pristine coastlineinterspersed by traditional villages. The combinationof a sophisticated Caribbean lifestyle and a multi-national community spirit weaves its spell on allwho visit, many of whom return year after year.

Visitors won’t find all-inclusive resorts on GrandCayman, but they will enjoy a consistently highquality of accommodation, food and service.Although five star glamour comes no better than onSeven Mile Beach, quality doesn’t have to comewith a high price tag, and prices drop markedlybetween May and December. Several easy-going,delightful properties are within a stone’s throw ofthe beach, both along Seven Mile Beach or further

east in sleepy Bodden Town. These fit the billperfectly for a family or couple seeking a week ortwo of sun, sea and sand along with enoughactivities to try something different every daywithout breaking the bank. Some properties, suchas the Sunshine Suites offer a semi-self cateringoption and with great supermarkets, a fish market,wine and beer shops and even a weekly Farmer’sMarket, visitors can be as self sufficient as they like.

For the ultimate barefoot chill-out, there are almost100 beachfront villas ranging from bijou cottages tosix bedroom mansions; large families and groups offriends will love the flexibility and comparativeaffordability that villa living offers them. Eating-in iseasy, and those wanting to eat out are spoilt forchoice. Grand Cayman has over 150 restaurants andalthough gourmands are never disappointed, thelaid-back allure of the local beach bars andCaymanian cafes is hard to beat.

The Cayman Islands Barefoot luxury you can afford.

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The attractions are just as diverse, from swimmingwith stingrays in open water to visiting the pricelesscollection of cars at the Cayman Motor Museum.Most importantly, the acclaimed marine life is freefor all to enjoy, with world-renowned snorkellingand diving right offshore, and endless watersports.The boat can be pushed out with a trip in theAtlantis Submarine, but for nature at its mostbeautiful it is hard to beat the tranquil 65 acreQueen Elizabeth II Botanic Park in Grand Cayman’slush interior, roamed by the giant Grand CaymanBlue iguana.

The real magic of the Cayman Islands is that thereare three of them, and for those wishing to escapeto a true paradise lost, a 40 minute, £80 return flightis all it takes to get to rugged Cayman Brac, or heridyllic little sister, Little Cayman, which at 10 milesby one is the ultimate Robinson Crusoe discoveryand one of the last truly wild islands left in theCaribbean.

nspirational and award-winning Per AQUUM have ahabit of creating “world firsts” in luxury hospitality.At Huvafen Fushi they presented the world’s first

underwater spa with their iconic first venture in theMaldives. So it is no wonder that many “barefoot”devotees have been waiting with great anticipation toexperience their latest creation, NIYAMA, newlyopened and spread over two pristine islands in thesouth-western Atoll of Dhaalu in the Maldives.

NIYAMA breaks the mould and pushes theboundaries of conventional Maldives island retreats.The intention with the holiday experience is tocreate a stimulating environment where modernstyle is merged into the natural landscape. Diverseentertainments attend to the varying moods ofaspirational travellers who are looking to balancetranquillity with a sense of discovery, stimulationand fun. The Maldives may be viewed as romanticisland hideaways but Per AQUUM ensures that thetech savvy will not feel disconnected.

For instance, the accommodation, which comprises87 beach and overwater studios and Pavilions, featurethe latest in entertainment technology whilstdrawing on spectacular views of the Indian Ocean.Most with their own private pool.

NIYAMA aims to challenge the conventional with itsculinary exhibitionism. A range of venues and ideasmark this truly innovative approach including the

offshore signature restaurant, Edge (see separatepanel below). Epicure offers an interactive diningexperience with live cooking stations with vibrantand fresh selections for breakfast, lunch and dinnerwhilst Tribal has been designed as a modern daycampsite with an eclectic choice of dishesinfluenced by the cuisines of South and East Africa,Asia and South America - A rustic but luxury campfire experience. Even housebound pleasures aresupremely catered for with Deli in, where eachguest accommodation is stocked with a fridgebrimming with gourmet deli items; cheeses, olives,cold cuts, wines, making it easy to nibble on lightbites between meals.

There are also plenty of activities tokeep the inner child occupied withremote control vehicles, Nintendo-Wii, weekly movie nights, watersports, PADI dive courses, coralrehabilitation and a fleet of Dhonis -traditional yet luxurious Maldiviansailing boats. For those seekingspiritual rebalance the path is alwaysopen to LIME spa.

NIYAMA is the third property in theiconic Per AQUUM portfolio;following in the award-winningfootsteps of Huvafen Fushi Maldivesand Desert Palm Dubai.

Seductive Modern RelaxationPer AQUUM’s new offering in the Maldives offers an inspired, cutting edge resort

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500 metres offshore (by boat), a vibrant dining experience awaitsguests at Edge, NIYAMA's signature restaurant and loungefloating on the calm lagoon surface. Then, party the night awaywhile DJs spin just six metres below at Subsix, the world’s firstunderwater club. Here guests will find emerging and establishedartists from around the world playing at NIYAMA Live.

Dine on...

...and dance below the Lagoon

www.niyama.com

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Following the success of LIME spa at both HuvafenFushi and Desert Palm Dubai, LIME Spa at NIYAMAwill break new ground in the Maldives with a 24hour service, while gym fans will enjoy the 24 hourgym, Pump.

LIME Spa includes 8 treatment rooms,sauna, steam room, pool and

cold plunge pool,contemplation garden

and a complimentaryjuice and tea bar.

Alongside the regularmenu, guests canhave the speciallydesigned After DarkTreatments, speciallydesigned for jet lagand insomnia.

24/7 at LIME Spa

Phuket PerfectionThe balance of the ideal all-round resort offers both families and couples the perfectbeach holiday at the newly opened Angsana Laguna Phuket.

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ith the timely opening in December 2011 ofThailand’s newest luxury beach resort,Angsana Laguna Phuket, we expect there will

be many discerning couples and families who will want tohead east to enjoy some rest and relaxation at Asia’spremier beach resort whilst the weather is at its best.

Located on the shores of Bang Tao Bay in the northwestof Phuket Island in Southern Thailand, Angsana LagunaPhuket is just a 20-minute drive away from PhuketInternational Airport and Phuket town. It is part ofLaguna Phuket, Asia’s first integrated resort, whichconsists of five luxury hotels, six palm-fringed lagoons,600 acres of parkland, three kilometres of pristinebeach and an outstanding array of recreational anddining facilities. Consisting of 409 rooms, suites andresidences with room sizes starting from a generous40 sqm space, this is a luxury everyone can afford.

Families will be spoilt for choice at this new luxuryresort – there’s a unique Treehouse kid’s club, TheElephant Pavilion where two baby elephants visit thekid’s club each day and swimming pools galore for thechildren. A championship golf course and plenty ofwatersports will keep energetic fathers occupied,

whilst mothers can catch up on yoga or much neededR&R at the award-winning Angsana Spa. The wholefamily can be as active or chilled out as they wish onthe beach – considered one of most beautiful , duvetsoft, white sand beaches in Thailand.

For couples and honeymooners, there are huge Loftsuites on stilts overlooking the lagoon. The PoolResidences are ideal for families or groups of friends,each with their own swimming pool. The Beach Bar willbe a hot spot to relax at in the evening over a cocktail,listening to good music or the lapping of the waves.

Angsana Laguna Phuket is the flagship resort of theAngsana brand of hotels and resorts worldwide. Thisstylish resort, combines traditional Thai architecture withwaterways and canals, and being a new property, it’svery contemporary, using natural materials and fun,modern colours.

There’s also plenty to explore outside of the Resort -being in the secure, integrated complex of LagunaPhuket means guests have access to over 30restaurants, a shopping village , the sister resort ofBanyan Tree Phuket and much more.

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www.angsana.com

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here is no doubt that onceRosewood Hotels & Resorts isinvolved in the management of a

property that they will elevate theenjoyment factor to new heights.

In the Caribbean they lend their name andexpertise to a superb selection of propertiesincluding perennial favourites to UKtravellers with Jumby Bay in Antigua andLittle Dix Bay in the British Virgin Islands.Both these iconic resorts have a longstanding history. Incredibly, Little Dix Baydates back to the early 1960’s and was thebrainchild of Laurence Rockefeller, who hadthe foresight to develop a resort in animportant yachting anchorage.

Jumby Bay was developed later in 1983 as aprivate island resort, where formerly it hadbeen used variously as a home foremancipated slaves and later as a sheeprearing station. The wild sheep seenroaming on Jumby Bay today aredescendants of those sheep.

Rosewood’s CaribbeanChic island resorts

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Little Dix offers a really unique combination - a luxurious island

hideaway that is perfect for the children too. A sweeping half-mile

crescent beach and spectacular manicured gardens create a wonderful

setting for this charming resort on the beautiful and underdeveloped

island of Virgin Gorda in the BVIs. Indeed, one of the true pleasures

whilst staying at the resort is the chance to be dropped onto one of the

many pristine beaches and islets around Virgin Gorda that can only be

accessed by sea and for which the resort offers a complimentary water

taxi service. Discover your own private space and chill out!

The rooms and cottages, which are located either on the beachfront or

set back within the beautiful gardens, offer great character and excellent

features, including a balcony or terrace and easy access to the beach.

You’ll also find one of the best spas in the region and an outstanding

children’s club. The resort's three dining venues specialise in fresh

Caribbean cuisine, including the open-air Pavilion, the intimate Sugar

Mill, and the Beach Grill, which serves light-fare on the white sands.

Following a $35 million refurbishment in 2010, Jumby Bay has re-opened

its doors. The resort is on a 300-acre private island just two miles north of

Antigua and is only accessible by boat

This luxurious all-inclusive hideaway features 40 suites and 11 two, three and

four bedroom villas with their own pools. Each suite comes complete with a

bicycle for each guest or a golf cart for the villas. Amenities include

sumptuous Italian linens and 42" flat-screen TV with Bose sound system and

wireless Internet. Urbanites will also approve the Nespresso coffee machine.

There are three restaurants offering a range of Caribbean and

Mediterranean cuisine and the original 230 year old manor house is home

to one of the restaurants. Accommodation is on an all-inclusive basis which

includes all meals and drinks by the glass, including the excellent House

Champagne.

Guests can enjoy a variety of water sports including snorkelling, water

skiing, windsurfing and sailing off the island’s pristine white sand beaches,

which are also home to the Jumby Bay Hawksbill Turtle Project.

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, Antigua

All-inclusive luxury on a Private Caribbean Island

Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Virgin Gorda

Beach drops, childs play and splendid isolation

outhern California can lay claim to the mostconsistent year round mild weather.Temperatures rarely waver outside a magical

band of between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit andhumidity is low. It's hardly surprising that the lifestylehere is based around outdoor activities. There are120 kilometres of coastline beaches, it's a sailingmecca and the area boasts over 80 golf courses.

San Diego is California's second largest city, thestate's oldest and the birthplace of all that isCalifornian. Many of it's key attractions are within ashort distance of lively downtown, San Diego'sattractive bay front area. Must do’s include theworld-renowned San Diego Zoo, Spanish ColonialBalboa Park, SeaWorld, the Gaslight District and

even a visit to the venerable, but retired liner,Queen Mary in neighbouring Long Beach. Jump onan Old Town Trolley for a city tour or take theTijuana Trolley (and passport) for a day trip southacross the border into Mexico!

North of the city the coastline continues to reflect thepervading laid-back, beach culture of SouthernCalifornia culminating 32 miles north of downtownSan Diego in the prestigious coastal resort city ofCarlsbad, one of the most affluent communities in theentire USA and home to some of the finest seasideresorts on the coast. So even unfortunate outsiderscan experience a few weeks of the golden life!

Palm Springs’ most famous resident, Frank Sinatra,

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Iconic LandmarkHotel del Coronado, Coronado Island, San Diego

California Dreamin’The great outdoors in Southern California

Built in 1888, this classic beachfront tour de force has longbeen heralded as one of America’s most beautiful beachresorts and was designated a National Historic Landmark in1977. Today, The Del offers guests a unique combination ofmodern luxury touched with the charm and grace of a greatdame. Popular both as a family venue and a romantic getaway.

Family FunLa Costa Resort & Spa, Carlsbad

Nestled on 400 lush garden acres inCarlsbad, minutes from award-winning beaches and LEGOLAND.This idyllic and newly renovatedSouthern California resort is acharming Spanish style village, whereyou can do it all or do nothing at all.La Costa is a wonderland of activitywith two championship golf courses,17 tennis courts, 6 swimming poolswith water slides, shopping, diningand an award winning spa.

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Desert CoolRancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa,Palm Springs

Rancho Las Palmas Resort & Spa – thePalm Springs hotel of choice forfamilies, couples, and stylish sunchasers of all ages. Whether seeking a“cool” escape to relax with friends or a“cool” adventure where aquatic funhas no limits, this captivating PalmSprings resort spa is the place to be.Emerging from a $35 milliontransformation by KSL Resorts,Rancho Las Palmas is theembodiment of new desert cool.

spent 50 years of his life enjoying the striking andcontrasting natural landscape and it is not hard toappreciate his enthusiasm. High mountains encircleon three sides giving way on the open side to thegreat Colorado-Sonoran Desert. This geographyensures an extremely dry climate with a reputed354 days of sunshine and very little rainfall. The restis the legacy of the Great American Dream andmuch irrigation.

In the early years of the 20th century itwas a popular health retreat, then inthe 1920’s the stars of silver screenHollywood lent their patronageand built expensive homes afterwhich the whirlwind transformation

continued apace to the point thattoday’s string of communities,glitzy resorts and over 110 golfcourses presents an urban oasis

that is the recreationalcapital of

SouthernCalifornia, where the“Great Outdoors” isenjoyed from the

valley floor to themountain tops.

ecil Rhodes may have dreamed of an unbrokenrailway link between Cape Town and Cairo but his19th century plans dissolved like his rail track in the

wilds of the Congo (Zaire). Today, it remains an unfulfileddream, but fate would have it that the need to locate anorthern sea port for the mineral wealth of land-lockedBotswana saw the construction of the Tazara Corridor linkfrom Lusaka to Dar es Salaam on the east coast of Tanzania. Itwas a monumental achievement funded by the People’sRepublic of China in the early 1970’s.

Several times a year the liveried coaches of the luxury trainoperator, Rovos Rail, embark on a spectacular 12 night railodyssey between Cape Town and Dar es Salaam that mustsurely rank as one of the world’s epic train adventures.Travelling in the height of luxury the trains consist ofbeautifully restored South African coaches with two lounges,two restaurant cars, private sleeping compartments, eachwith private ensuite facilities. With daily stops for sight seeingtours the true magnificence of the unfolding landscape of thedark continent can be truly appreciated in a manner thatepitomises the pursuit of classic travel and the fulfilment tosome extent of Rhodes’ great dream. Sadly, the onwardjourney to Cairo requires other modes of transport but aspecial Rail, Air & Nile Cruise super itinerary is also availablewith Rovos Rail.

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Epic Journeys acros

CRovos Rail is the brainchild of SouthAfrican businessman, Rohan Vos, alatecomer to the world of trains. Hewas involved in the motor sparesindustry when one of his staff got himinvolved in a steam train restorationproject in 1986. Since then he hascollected and restored probably thelargest and most original train set inthe world. The rolling stock dates fromaround 1911 to 1930 and now runs onprivate tours all over South Africa, aswell as trips to Namibia, Victoria Fallsand on up to Dar es Salaam on the eastcoast of Tanzania.

As Rohan Vos has so aptly said: “Boy, have I got a great train set”.

Rohan Vos - A man withextraordinary drive and passion

Breathtaking rail adventures on board Rovos Rail

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ss Africa

Cape Town Port Elizabeth

Durban

Dar es Salaam

Lusaka

Victoria Falls

Bulawayo

GaberoneWindhoek

Johannesburg

Pretoriaarkopmund

Ondangwa

News from The Cape, South Africa

Steenberg’s restaurants win prestigious2011 food and wine awards.

Situated just 20 minutesfrom Cape Town city centre,The Steenberg Hotel is a 5star boutique property inthe beautiful ConstantiaValley. It is also now proudholder of two newAmerican Express Platinum

Card Fine Dining Awards - cementing its reputation asone of the Cape’s top gourmet and wine destinations.

Out of 78 South African restaurants, Catharina’s receivedthis accolade for the 14th year, whilst trendy cellar doorrestaurant Bistro Sixteen82 made its debut onto thiscoveted list. Catharina’s also received a 6th top score inthe 2011 Diners Club Wine list Awards.

Together with their teams, Executive Chef Garth Almazanat Catharina’s and Brad Ball at Bistro Sixteen82 ensure thata 5-star gourmet food and wine experience is offered atSteenberg. Dating back to 1682, with its buildingsdeclared a National Monument, Steenberg offersluxurious accommodation, amazing views, an awardwinning winery and restaurants, a lavish spa and an 18-hole Championship golf course! www.steenberghotel.com

Australian superstar Kylie Minogue recently wow-edSouth African audiences with her Aphrodite LiveWorld Tour. During her visit she did the “locomotion”in style – travelling on the World’s Leading LuxuryTrain – The Blue Train, from Pretoria to Cape Town.“What a beautiful way to arrive in Cape Town,” said thestar. “To end this epic adventure in such a beautifulplace is just magical.” - www.bluetrain.co.za

Kylie does “Locomotion” Blue TrainStyle in South Africa

There are many reasons to visit Fancourt on South Africa’spopular Garden Route – including a brand new one! Theoriginal 140-year old Manor House has been meticulouslyremodelled to reflect its heritage and the classic traditionof a bygone era, whilst offering the indulgence andsophistication of a world-class, 21st century hotel. Guestshave full access to the Fancourt Estate’s facilities as well ascomplimentary airport transfers, 24-hour butler service, aheated pool, bar, library and lounge – and newlytransformed fine dining restaurant Henry White’s.

www.fancourt.co.za

The new 18-suite, 5-star boutique hotel “The Manor House at Fancourt” , George

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July marks an exciting time of year in Franschhoek onthe Cape Wine Route with the celebration of all thingsFrench to commemorate the fascinating French-Huguenot legacy of this historical town! Embrace thegourmet capitals passions in life – freedom, food,wine, music and merry-making!

Mont Rochelle, just a stone’s throw from the towncentre, offers a fantastic Bastille Festival WeekendPackage for 14-15 July 2012 including 2 nights in aluxury room, with day tickets to attend the festival withentry to the food and wine Marquee plus transfersbetween the festival and the hotel to ensure the winetasting can be enjoyed fully! It also includes a BubblyBreakfast to get guests into the festive spirit!

www.montrochelle.co.za

Mont Rochelle’s July 2012 Bastille daycelebrations in the Cape Winelands

Cape Town(Constantia)

Franschhoek

George

To Pretoria

All 4 properties combine perfectly to create the ultimate“Fairest Cape Wine and Dine Escape”! Contact now foryour own personally-packaged itinerary!